Milan coach Allegri makes Gabbia admission after Italy call-up: ‘I didn’t know’

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli is challenged by Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Massimiliano Allegri admits he ‘didn’t know’ Matteo Gabbia before becoming the Milan coach: ‘It’s hard to judge from the outside.

Gabbia has been called up to the Italy national team for games against Estonia and Israel.

The Italian defender was already part of the Azzurri squad in October 2024, but didn’t make his debut.

“I didn’t know him before. I’ve learned that until you coach a player, it’s hard to judge from the outside,” Allegri said at a press conference on Saturday.

“I’ve found a guy with room to grow, a responsible player with great qualities. If a player gets called up to the national team, we are happy.”

Gabbia has been a regular Milan starter under Allegri, making six appearances across all competitions.